MAY 11, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #21-0511-1
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE 785-364-2251
Holton man killed during explosion
JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. (JASO)-Sheriff Tim Morse reports with great sadness that a rural Holton man was killed in an explosion at his home Monday evening. At around 6:15 pm, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a large explosion that could be heard over 10 miles away. Rescue units responded to the residence located at 27284 Q.4 Road over 4.5 miles north of Holton, or approximately one mile northeast of Jackson Heights School. The Holton Fire Department, Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Responders found the residence to be completely leveled and on fire. Deputies located the female victim outside the residence. The woman was airlifted to a Kansas City hospital with serious injuries. Responders later located the deceased male outside the residence. The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to the scene. It is believed that the home owners had been working on remodeling the residence. The man was identified as Billy “Lu” Griffiths, 61, of Holton. The incident remains under investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.